El Jannah

4 - 8 South Street

Granville NSW 2142
(02) 9637 0977

Category: Cheapo ($0 - $50)

Ahhh yes, the famed Lebanese chicken place… At last, we are here. I am always scared to try these places. They are hyped up and talked about so much, and sometimes with this comes expectation, and with expectation normally comes failure, especially if you don’t deliver. Besides, it’s just charcoal chicken, not even organic, or corn fed or anything like that… surely it can’t be that good, right? Well… I am so happy to say wrong!

This place delivers in spades… well and truly, ever since 1998 Andre Estephan and his wife Carole have been dishing out succulent, juicy chooks, and despite some hiccups along the way (most notably a fire that shut the restaurant for a period of time, they have expanded not only the shop but also opened up a new restaurant in Punchbowl.

So let’s start with décor. Quite simply, it’s average, there is nothing to write home about, and frankly, I think that is the way they intended it. The menu is also very simple and the thing I really like about it is that face that there are not that many options! 

It really is all about the chicken, oh and there is just one more thing… the garlic sauce. If the Green Tea Crème Brulee from Musashi was revolutionary then this was mind blowing. Put politely, I think, it is f*cking amazing. Now, I have been informed by my native Lebanese friends that the recipe used at El Jannah is not exactly the traditional recipe of purely garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil which is then blended until it forms fluffy white peaks, and that they add cream, and also potentially potato, but even they agree, it is very good.

I still haven’t spoken about the chicken though. It is butterflied first before being placed on the hot charcoal, and despite being quite salty on its own, with some bread, and that garlic sauce, it is perfect. Unlike most other chickens you buy where parts of the chicken are tough and stringy and chewy, on all the occasions I have had it here, it has been juicy and succulent right the way through. From the breast piece (which normally I don’t like to eat) through to the thigh, wings and drumstick.

The chips are a great accompaniment to the meal (they drown the stuff in chicken salt which makes it taste so much better despite them being just regular store bought chips) and use the garlic sauce in place of the tomato and it is truly the stuff of legends. Other sides include Hommous (which is very good too), Baba Ganoush, and Tabouli. If you are looking for something simpler they have some great wraps for around $7.50 which will also ensure you don’t go home hungry.   

For $19.90 eat in, you get a whole chicken, that amazing sauce, pickles and bread (It is a steal!). Tack on chips, and 2 drinks and you will still get change from $30. Good luck getting a seat any night of the week however especially towards the back end and on weekends. They have also recently expanded and begun cooking shish kebabs and you can now buy mixed plates etc. For me however, this place will always be about the chicken and that garlic sauce.

Overall, it is not particularly healthy or amazing food on paper. The chicken is not grain fed, or Lilydale or free range, the chips are not hand cut, nor is the bread made on site but really… do I care about all this? No I don’t, not in the slightest… The chicken is excellent, and that sauce to die for. In this day and age, for $30 you will be hard pressed to find a more satisfying feed for 2 (You will probably have some left over for the day after too). I still remember taking my wife here for the first time, and like me, she was saying ‘come on, it’s just chicken, it can’t be that good…’ How wrong she and I were, for this is… that good.

Bottom line:

$30 (eat in) will ensure 2 people are satisfied. I recommend finding 2 more friends however and ordering up 2 chooks, hommous, tabouli, and fries to share, add drinks and it will be well less than $20 a head.  What a steal!  

Score:

Food                                       7.5/10

Cleanliness                           2/2
Value                                      3/3
BONUS                                   1.5/2 (That garlic sauce is amazing…)

NB. I have taken out service & decor as a score for the 'Cheapo' category as the 2 are not relevant, nor to me dramatically important as it is all about value (hence it has been added), and quality and less about the overall dining experience. So effectively it scores 14/17, however for consistency I have re-calcuated to reflect a score out of 20

              

Total                                       16.5/20

Musashi

447 Pitt St

Cnr. Pitt & Campbell St
Sydney, 2000
(02) 9280 0377

Category: Just got paid ($50 - $100)

This is one of those places, that, well… I never get tired or sick of. I can also proudly say it is probably one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in Sydney in its class (next time I will tell you about my other favourite). Bold statement I know, with establishments including the likes of Toko, Musa, Azuma, Café Ish, Yoshii’s, Sushi E etc, but for a usual and frequent place to eat, I believe it is hard to top.

Let’s face it, not everyone can afford Azuma, Yoshii’s, Toko, Sushi E on a regular basis (I definitely can’t), so whilst I agree that some of the already mentioned have better quality food, it definitely comes with the prices to match. So for a regular dining spot, this I feel, is the pinnacle of great Japanese food, and I have my reasons.    

The décor is clean cut, spacious and bright. Seating can be at the bar, there are some outside tables and if you can, try to get the corner lounge (this is the best seat in the house). They don’t take bookings either after 5:30 so get there early otherwise you will need to wait, regardless of the day! The service is sharp, quick and effective. Sometimes the staff could be a little friendlier but overall it is very polite and clinically clean. Like a very well oiled machine everything falls into place, and the food is also excellent. Best of all, it is always consistently strong.

I recommend coming here with at least 3 others, just to ensure you can get the sashimi platter which is fresh, scrumptious and there is a rather large menu so whilst coming for a romantic meal is nice, grab some friends and start sharing.

The mains are a little pricy, and I would probably skip a few menu items, especially mains, the lamb cutlets are good as are the fish and wagyu beef, but for a similar price you can get better elsewhere.  It is the sashimi, sushi, and entrees that make this place. The takoyaki with cheese reigns supreme as does most of the light starter dishes. The ox tail is fabulous, as is the agedashi tofu. The tonkatsu pork or chicken is one of the crunchiest and crispiest you will ever try and look out for the specials too!

To be honest, depending on what you are wearing, you can get away for well less than $50 for 2. There Udon’s are large and generous, with the seafood one probably your best bet at $16.80. The drinks menu is innovative, and anyone who fancies some colour will not be disappointed with the options available.

My personal favourite about this place however is the dessert. Green tea crème brulee. I remember the first time I had it, it was like heaven. To those who are not that keen on green tea there are various other items like the standard green tea and black sesame ice-creams.

Overall, I really like this place. Great food, good service, a diverse menu that can really suit all occasions, whether you want a more romantic date and splurge out on fresh seafood, grab a meal with friends and share, or grab a quick bite before you dash off, it can suit them all. Now despite not being the flagship of the Masuya Group I actually prefer it to Masuya, with it’s higher ceilings, and more open style kitchen where you can see the chefs in action.

Bottom line:

Depending on what you want to do, you can keep this well under $50 but if you do decide to go hard on the seafood, $60 - $70 will ensure you are both walking home one size bigger on the waist.  

Score:

Food                                       7/10

Service                                   2/3

Décor                                     2/3

Cleanliness                           2/2

BONUS                                   1.5/2 (That green tea crème brulee was revolutionary)

               

Total                                       14.5/20

Sea Bay Handmade Noodle Restaurant

Shop 5, 100 Church St
Parramatta, 2150
(02) 9633 1173

Category: Cheapo ($0 - $50)

With establishments such as the above, it is all about the food. So whilst the final score may seem low please do focus on the score which the food attains.

Sea Bay is actually already a very popular brand by most inner-west folk. With its flagship nestled on Burwood Rd they have decided to expand and as they say… go West.

The Parramatta restaurant itself is not really that inspiring however. Anchored towards the more quiet side of Church Street (heading towards all the car yards) the shabby sign out the front and pictures of the food with written price tags does not really make this a romantic spot, nor a place to be seen. Parking is ok, with a car park next door, otherwise it does make it quite difficult to access.  

That is just the outside too; the inside does not get any better. Poor décor, ok lighting, shabby menus with white labels over certain products with new hand drawn prices and vinegar and soy sauce in tomato sauce squeezers on the table. Despite all this however, I like places like this. There is something about shabby menus, bad décor, the waitress dressed like she is going to uni (jeans, and coloured tee with a cap) and a generally poor outlook. Maybe it is the fact that given all these things are not quite right, one thing must be… the food!  

Let’s start with the service though. It is… well, it is service. I must say, if you don’t speak Chinese you will need to point and I would not really ask for special requests, however it is quick and it is efficient. it does not exactly come with a smile however the wait staff are informative enough. We order 3 different bowls of noodles; their recommended beef with noodles, my wife opts for the noodles with dumplings, and I go for a classic noodle with spicy beef and cucumber stir through. We round things off with dumpling (xiao long bao). You get served loose leaf tea which is actually a lot better than most yum cha establishments I have been to I must say (I was pleasantly surprised).

Now the food… firstly, for those of you who have never tried handmade noodles, I suggest you try some bought packet stuff and have it the night before or even a couple of days just so you remember the texture etc, because you are in for a treat. All their thick, bouncy, thick white strands are made on site. Bashed, slapped, smacked around before being stretched into long strands of heaven. Our 3 noodles arrive, and at around $10 - $12 a bowl, they could easily feed 2 people for the 1 bowl. Seriously… they are huge servings, and it tastes fabulous. The way it enters the mouth is different, the way it chews, separates, and dances in the mouth is an experience you should all try.

The dumplings are good and great value, juicy and you get 10 for your troubles, however they are not as near as classy as those you would find in Din Tai Fung. The lamb skewers are also worth a go too for those carnivores however this place is all about the noodles. There should be enough variety to keep everyone satisfied including vegetarians.

Overall, I really like this place. Simple, honest, cheap food. Also amazing if you are looking for a really big feed that is a little more on the healthy side.  This is my local hang out for a quick meal.

Bottom line:

To be honest, unless you do eat a lot, 1 bowl can be shared between 2 and you can then order something small on the side. Max $30 for 2 however if you are small eaters can get away with probably $20, and that is a steal!

Score:

Food                                       7.5/10

Value                                      3/3

Cleanliness                            1/2

BONUS                                   1/2

               

NB. I have taken out service & decor as a score for the 'Cheapo' category as the 2 are not relevant, nor to me dramatically important as it is all about value (hence it has been added), and quality and less about the overall dining experience. So effectively it scores 12.5/17, however for consistency I have re-calcuated to reflect a score out of 20

Total                                       14.5/20 

3Some – Germany

Lowenbrau                                 

Argyle Street                                                                                  

The Rocks NSW 2000                                  

                                                                                                                                       

Bavarian Bier Café    

Various sites across Sydney       

visit www.bavarianbiercafe.com.au/     

Essen

133-135 Broadway

Ultimo, NSW 2000

(02) 9211 3805

Category: Just Got Paid ($50 - $100)

Dear Fellow readers,

I just want to say thank you for taking the time to read and follow my reviews thus far. I am adding a new segment to my reviews whereby I pin 3 similar restaurants up against each other. These segments will come in addition to my usual reviews, and instead of reviewing the restaurants separately given they are so similar it would only make sense to put them up against each other.

So here we go, welcome to the inaugural 3some! – This segment, Germany!

I would like to mention that these 3 are clearly not the only German style pub restaurants around however given all 3 are within the city and surrounds I felt it appropriate to work with these.

So now, where to start…

Well, firstly, I think it important that we establish that of the 3 restaurants, 2 have similar markets, whilst 1 goes for a slightly different crowd. Essen was established in Darlinghurst over 30 years, and in 2005 moved to Broadway, it runs a philosophy of serving good honest hearty German meals at a reasonable price, with decent beer and a great atmosphere. The other draw card is that after 30 years the restaurant is still under the same ownership.

Now in the blue corner, we have the Lowenbrau; its history stems back to the late 1300s, where it was first established as a brewery in Munich. Nowadays it is a bustling beer hall nestled in the rocks with a separate bar and dining area, along with its own ‘Uberbar’ based upstairs with even more dining area, and in the red corner is its younger but more diverse brother. Newer, more locations, and fighting for a more up-market crowd think of it as a 21^st century version of its less nimble older brother.

I should also note both are part of the same company so funds and revenue go to the one spot, however for the sake of the food, let’s take them separately. Actually, this is also quite difficult as the Lowenbrau and Bavarian menus are more or less identical.

To put quite simply however, if you are looking for a more quiet-ish night out with friends and or family then Essen is a good spot, the food good, however given its family style food, the menu lacks the size of its immediate competition and its pork knuckle is roasted too, but unfortunately without that heavenly crackling crust. The deserts also are a little small and the service could have been a little quicker. We had to wait about 10 minutes for drinks to arrive and our mains took about 45. Despite this, it was not a bad place. How does it fair in comparison to Lowenbrau and Bavarian though? Not good unfortunately, and I am sorry to say that with the other 2 options in place, I find it hard to find myself back at Essen, despite the fact its food is a little cheaper.

As for the Bavarian and Lowenbrau, both will give you a good time. I personally tend to think the food comes faster and is better and with bigger servings at the original with the Bavarian being a little more ‘corporate’ in its approach. Let’s face it, German food is suppose to be big and beautiful, and whilst I like the idea of making the cuisine more ’slick’ and elegant, one should not change something that was never meant to be.

The atmosphere at Lowenbrau is also second to none, with the Oompa Loompa band in the background, the service fast, my pork knuckle took 15 minutes and was reaming with the crunchy, salty, crackling skin to die for. The flesh itself moist, soft and not overcooked either. Put simply…brilliant. The desserts here are very generous too. Anyone of them could easily feed two so unless you are super hungry, just order one. The sticky date and bread and butter both are very good.  

As for the Bavarian, on each occasion I have been there is a sense of well, arrogance about the wait staff and atmosphere, its darker, there are more suits around and the service lacks engagement and a sense of urgency. The food also seems better presented, however I never feel like I am eating a hearty German meal. It’s more like being at a pub which serves German food. It lacks the atmosphere, despite its several beautiful locations (Wharf at Manly overlooking the water, in the heart of the CBD business district and inside an old church at Parramatta).

All in all, if you can make it, head to the Lowenbrau. Ps. Obviously, it is all about the beer too! So make sure you sample up and to make it feel like the real deal kick start things with a salty big pretzel.   

Bottom Line:

All 3 establishments will set you back around $80 for 2 (main and desert).   

Scores:

Essen

Food                            6.5/10

Service                        1.5/3

Décor etc                    2/3

Cleanliness                  2/2

BONUS                       0.5/2

Total                           12.5/20

Bavarian Bier Cafe

Food                            6/10

Service                        1.5/3

Décor etc                    2/3

Cleanliness                  2/2

BONUS                       0.5/2

Total                           12/20

Lowenbrau

Food                            7/10

Service                        2/3

Décor etc                    1.5/3

Cleanliness                  2/2

BONUS                       1/2

Total                           13.5/20

                                      (02) 9247 7785           

The Malaya

39 Lime St

King St Wharf
Sydney, 2000
(02) 9279 1170

Category: Just got paid ($50 - $100)

Every now and then, on a rare occasion you find a place that you can come back to again and I have been here 2 times now, or is it 3? Regardless, I would return…

The location is strong, picturesque some would say. You are on the water, in the heart of the ‘prosperous’ part of town and away from the tourists in Darling Harbour. The setting and decor is simple; open plan and large with a long open kitchen. There are spots along the glass wall parallel to the water which are fabulous and quaint for a more romantic affair and the inner tables suit well for gatherings with friends and families. It seems Sydney is into ‘darker dining’ and this place is no exception, with the menu requiring some reading in certain areas of the restaurant due to the dim lighting.  

The service is sharp, it comes with a smile and the wait staff are knowledgeable around the menu and relatively laid back. We are a little further back in the restaurant and closer to the open kitchen, the noise level increases given we a little stronger with the kitchen in close proximity. All in all there is a nice buzz to the place; people having a good time, couples enjoying a night out and some you can who are clearly on a date! The wine list is not extensive, however the drinks is made up with a strong selection of cocktails and mocktails to kick off proceedings (this seems the way to go).

For entrée we opt for the Satay sticks (chicken) and in the past we have tried the Otak Otak (fish paste wrapped in banana leaf then grilled) both are satisfactory without being amazingly good and the  all important Satay sauce is a let-down. It’s not bad, just not fabulous. The mains however, is where it all comes to life. The Kapitan prawns (make sure you get the ‘with batter’ version) and the Sichuan eggplant are well… not to die for, but both very very very good, and clear signature dishes. Succulent, juicy king prawns, lightly battered and fried before being plunged into a light and very tasty gold coloured like sauce.  The eggplants are cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, properly cooked all the way through and tossed with a delightful chilli sauce. Beware, the eggplant is hot, and if you happen to accidently bite a chilli (as my friend did, and you may given the dim lighting) you can be sure that you will need lots of water.   

Outside these two shining stars, the remainder of the menu is rather ‘normal’ with little to write home about. To be honest, without these two dishes, I probably would not return. Their other chef’s specials are ok, without being great. The manu is also quite expansive,  with all the regulars you would expect of a Malaysian restaurant. Laksa, noodle dishes, beef rendang etc. I personally, think there is a little too much choice. The desserts are pretty good; the lemon tart on offer was generous, and had a real lemon zing to it wihout being too heavy, and though you don’t have an extensive selection, there is enough on offer to keep most satisfied. 

Despite the somewhat lacklustre menu (minus the prawns and eggplant) however, this is proof again that a couple of stars is good enough, and you do not necessarily need a team of champions to succeed. Proof of this is clearly visible as you will find the two stand out mains on most tables and whenever you mention the restaurant to people who have been the first things that they mention are the prawns and the eggplant dishes.

Overall, I like this place. Whether it be a friends gathering, a romantic evening with my wife, or even a family affair, it suits all of them well. There are enough decent support acts also to complement the star dishes and the service is effective, efficient and friendly enough also. The pricing is also very reasonable. Quite simply put… this is a place with great location, good food, good service, and good value, and with that it’s no wonder they are always packed. So make sure you book!    

Bottom line:

Despite being a great place for a romantic night out, it is probably best with a group of 4 so you can sample and share more, so grab 3 friends! $50 a head will see you well covered, and this include a drink!

Score:

Food                                        7/10

Service                                    2/3

Décor                                      2/3

Cleanliness                           2/2

BONUS                                    0.5/2

               

Total                                       13.5/20

The Dip @ GoodGod

55 Liverpool St

Chinatown, Sydney, 2000

(02) 8084 0587

www.thedip.com.au

Category: Cheapo ($0 - $50)

This is an interesting one… Given, it is not a stand alone restaurant, and is paired with a bar perhaps it is designed not be a place to come and eat, but more a place where friends catch up over a drink and order more ‘bar like’ food. Despite this detail, the Dip has its own website and even a name, suggesting that it is serious when it comes to food. Should this be true however, I am sad to report that it does not quite make it… actually, it falls well short…

The ’restaurant’ (it calls itself a canteen) itself is tucked away at the back of the GoodGod small bar. The entrance is dark, and in the basement. The décor is, well… pretty average to be fair and the choice of music in the restaurant area is annoying. To make matters worse, it sounds like the music is on a 30 minute rotation.

The service is something that many restaurants could learn about. The ladies are friendly, co-operative and came with a great smile. Pity about the food…  

After some debate, we agree (I enforced actually) on the banquet. This comes in two 2 forms, a $24 option and a $28 option. The a-la carte is ok, however for actually dinner and if you have friends, this is preferred. The extra $4 buys you a desert and an extra side. This banquet includes corn chips with 2 different dips, fries with tomato salsa and cheese, charred corn, nachos, stir fried snows peas, apple coleslaw, cookies and cream and your choice of a hot dog, burger, or  bean dish…  not bad for $28   

Now, let’s dissect it all… the corn chips were fairly average to be fair, tasteless and the accompanying dips tasted like something out of a Woolworths packet. The fries with tomato salsa and cheese are a good-ish idea, however practically is messy, and I did not really see much cheese. The Corn was probably the highlight, it comes with a side of mayo and pepper and all compliments nicely… this was good.

Onto the main event… the burger.

Unfortunately it was a let down… when one eats a burger there should be a sense of enjoyment, a sense of ‘yes, this is it,’ but my kangaroo burger tasted lifeless, and also had a fishy taste to it? My friends informed me the hot dog was good… but not $12 good. A Harry’s Hot Dog De Wheels is only about $6 and I assure you, worth every cent in comparison.  

The support acts are mediocre, snow peas were fine, and the apple-coleslaw is ok. The famous pulled pork nachos were a little too sloppy and lacked freshness for my liking and the dessert tastes like 2 subway cookies separated by a scoop of sara lee ice-cream with coles chocolate topping…

Let us keep in mind though, for $28 this was a lot of food… not great food, but food none the less food. So from that perspective, at least you will not hungry.

Given this place is a bar first restaurant later, you expect the drinks to come through trumps, and luckily they do. A quirky cocktail list which you purchase by the jug sets you back around $30 (gives around 4 drinks) and the rest is not bad either, a decent whisky and spirits list hits back to counter the poor décor and food.    

Overall, the food is… well, terrible. Sorry. There are several, no lots of places and establishments that make better tasting food for a simnilar price, if not better. Amazingly, this is someplace I would come back with a mate for a drink (just don’t eat) as despite the average decor and music, it works...  and their is the whole ‘underground thing’ which I always think adds an element of surprise and sexiness. Plus, the service was very good, efficient, friendly and came with a genuine smile too. I guess also if you are looking for a cheap-ish feed and wanna feel a bit dirty coming out the other side then it ain’t so bad either.    

Bottom Line:

If you must come here to eat (god knows why) I would suggest against the a-la carte as it is terribly poorly priced but the banquet will leave you satisfied. $28 will ensure you leave feeling well fed (albeit poorly fed).

Score:

Food                                       4/10

Service                                   3/3

Décor etc                              1/3

Cleanliness                          1.5/2

BONUS                                   1/2 – This is for the funky cocktail jugs

Total                                       10.5/20